Venkatesh Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan Shine in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Venkatesh Iyer reminded franchises of his batting prowess with a fluent 43-ball 70 on the day of the IPL Auction 2026.

Playing for Madhya Pradesh in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Super League Group A match against Punjab at DY Patil Academy in Pune, Iyer struck eight fours and two sixes. The timing was significant, as his knock coincided with the auction in Abu Dhabi, sharpening interest around the left-hander.

Iyer, who rose to prominence during his breakout IPL 2021 season with Kolkata Knight Riders, was released by the franchise ahead of this year’s auction. His debut campaign earned him a place in the national side and established him as one of India’s most exciting domestic all-rounders. Although he struggled in IPL 2022, he bounced back in 2023 with 404 runs, including a century. However, his underwhelming IPL 2025 season, where he managed just 142 runs in 11 matches, led to his release.

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan produced an equally explosive performance just an hour before the auction. The Mumbai batter hammered a 22-ball 73 against Rajasthan in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group B game at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. He reached his fifty in only 15 balls, showcasing his hitting range.

Sarfaraz, who went unsold in the previous full auction, enters the capped batters set this year with a base price of ₹75 lakh. Earlier this month, he scored his maiden T20 hundred — an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls against Assam — further strengthening his case for a franchise bid.

Consequently, both Iyer and Sarfaraz have reignited interest in their IPL prospects with timely performances, ensuring franchises take note during the high-stakes auction.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026 to Run from March 26 to May 31